God's Comfort for Grieving Pet Parents - Dr. Jim Richards
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- čas přidán 29. 09. 2022
- Losing a pet can be an incredibly painful experience. God created domestic animals to meet a purpose in our lives. Those who have never bonded with a pet, do not understand the depth of the connection. Sometimes a grieving pet parent is trivialized by other believers, making it even harder to process our pain. God cares about our animals and expresses it in Scripture. In fact, He cares about anything that causes us pain. He is the God of all comfort; it is an expression of His nature to comfort us in any type of pain. This video will provide you with some Biblical basis for looking to God in your time of grief and loss. I pray this gives you comfort and peace!
For more you may contact us at drjimrichards.com
Losing a pet is like losing a child.
I'm 72 years old. My wife and I have no children or family. We lost our German Shepherd a few years ago. His love for us healed our broken hearts. He was family we didn't have. Until his death, I didn't know a human could love an animal so much.
❤
In Exodus 11 we read that God spared the people of the Israelites and also their animals. God cares for the animals.
Great insight thanks for sharing this Bible scripture
Ja..AMEN😇🤗😍
Thanks ,didn't know that
Amen 🙏
Awww amen.
Thank you. My dog died 11 days ago. Jesus, please hold my broken heart in Your precious hands.
Amen!
I know your pain, I will pray for. You
I Am So So Sorry It Is Heart breaking, My dog Also Died Then
😢
So sorry
I put my dog to sleep yesterday. I cried the whole night and the morning. Now my eyes are dry, but my heart literally tightens and achs every 5 min . It's unbearable!
I see her everywhere, my couch, my bed, my closet . Every door I open or close, I feel like she is there. I m missing her so so bad 😭
honey i hope you know Jesus, Gods son personally... your wonderful family pet member will be there to greet you..
Sorry
same
I'm there with you. I put my beagle to sleep on 7/12/2023, and it is very painful to know she is not here with me after 14.5 years together. I see her everywhere.
I totally relate - my chest/heart hurts so much it is actually so physically painful. I truly am heartbroken over having to put down my precious baby angel cat Soxie. He was only 8 years old and I had only got to have him by my side for 6 years. I miss him so much it’s painful. He was so attuned to me and intuitive and wise and affectionate. He is irreplaceable. I love you forever my sweet baby boy Soxie. May God’s Grace keep our spirits close and near one another. ❤😻🙏🙏🙏🙏
I believe that God brought this video to me. Two days ago I had to say goodbye to my gentle, loving boy cat (Manny) and I am gutted and distraught. He was my safe place and I don't know how to be in this world without him. The only thing I'm clinging to is that he is in heaven and I will see him again one day.
Yes, we will see our pets in heaven...praise God. All my pets l loved and we're my babies.
You WILL. You WILL. They ALL are more guaranteed entry into Heaven than sadly MOST humans for TWO reasons:
They have NEVER sinned and are TRULY INNOCENT. Animals ARE NOT evil.
And, they DO have a soul.
I still have my favorite blanket my sweet dog always lay on. I feel her near me when I sleep with it. Now I've given it to a feral cat I've taken in. Someone left him, his 2 sister's in wood's. He goes to my daughter to visit his friends. To play. I'm 71 and health issues but miss him so much. Animals give you motivation. Keep you going, love you unconditional. Thank God for all animals, reptiles, everything he made.
God's creation. ✝️ praying for God's healing.
Thanks for your comment! I hope you are doing better! I have hope that my precious Boots is in heaven running in the wildflowers . I also remember the verse that God works everything out for the good of those who love him. I think we can help others through grief after experiencing grief.
My departed cats are always with me...i dream about them all the time like they're still with me. i wake up from the dreams and always feel happy. i cried and cried when i lost them but time changes everything. God comforts us all. This is a valuable video.
Someone once told me they didn’t think pets go to heaven Because they aren’t redeemed. The person meant well, but I responded with they never needed to be redeemed. They are
Innocent victims Of the fall and live under the curse of the fallen world. I think the love allowed between pets and humans is a remnant of Eden, a sign of hope for the world to come where we were once again live in harmony in heaven. The unconditional love of a pet Is A part of God’s unconditional love for us and is a reminder that God hasn’t completely given up on us As a demonstration of hope through the love of a cat or a dog or a horse or whatever for our own redemption
Grief is the price we pay for love🙏
Just the week I had to put down my 15 yr old dachshund . Buster had sinus cancer. I’m 68 yrs old and loss my husband two years ago. I am in so much emotional pain I can hardly stand it . I know the lord is with me . I hope I don’t end up in a hospital. I feel guilty too. Thank you for sharing with me it is a blessing. Pleas pray for me. Thank you.I loved my Buster so much.
Take heart sister. Noah's Ark was a symbolic representation of the salvation found in Jesus Christ. Animals were included in that picture. I believe your beloved Buster will be raised up from the dead and will be waiting for you in Glory. Ask the Lord to raise up Buster from the dead if he is willing. I once had a prophetic dream where God has let me be reunited with a special cat that was in my life for 20 years. In the dream I was in a park and there was a crowd gathered around a satanic preacher (a comedian), who was blaspheming God and boasting about sin and sexual immorality. The crowd started laughing and I got filled with some righteous indignation and turned my back on them(the world) and started walking away. I started walking away and then I saw my cat "Grey" who I had loved and adored growing up as a child. The sun came out and started shining on my face as Grey was purring and brushing against my legs. There is hope for our pets in Christ Jesus!
I’m so sorry,,, I feel I know that same emotional pain too, and I hear it clearly in your comment.
Loss is always part of us, after losing the people and pets we deeply love. It is a crushing GREIF,, and never goes away, except to dim a little over time. But we carry the GREIF scars. I just want to say Lord bless and watch over you, comfort and minister to you today. ❤
I suspect BOTH you and your husband were Saved by the acceptance of Jesus as Lord, King and Master. That being said, you WILL see your husband AND Buster again. Buster I CAN say IS in Heaven because they are without sin.
and he will greet you when Jesus takes you home..
Praying for you sister!
Thank you so much for this…
I’m 28 and I just lost my first dog, it’s a pain that I cannot even describe…
if you know Gods son Jesus.. then you will see him as soon as you get to heaven.. Jesus loves you and knows this would be a desire of your heart. i hate they have to suffer the curse of sin along with us,, but Jesus makes a way for us and for them.. His animal creation is sinless..they have no need for forgiveness..only love and compassion...
God healed my dog after I prayed. It was incurable the vet said , but as a new Christian years ago I had big faith … more then than now. I know personally that he does heal animals. ❤
My beloved cat Toby died yesterday. I have been crying all day long. I can't sleep at all right now. This cat has been with me throughout the toughest period of my life, when everyone failed me. The unconditional love of my cat was all I had to survive on with the guidance of God. More importantly, my cat never judged me, but humans have. So saying goodbye to youToby is one the most difficult things I've ever had to endure. 😢 Goodbye Toby 😢
#CatDad
#CatDadForever
I'm sorry for your loss .I lost my cat Patches on Tuesday,and my heart is shattered.He got me through the hardest time in my life after leaving a domestic violence relationship.He was my rock...I miss him so much 😢
Hang in there
The pain will ease in time but I know it is so hard
I lost my beloved cat of 12 years to cancer in April
It is still very difficult but it has eased
God bless and take care
Losing a pet has ripped my heart apart many times , but God always seem to lead me to another one to love . Im 71 years old so I know the pain well 😢💔
I had to put our dog to sleep on Monday. The pain that my husband and I are feeling is indescribable. We love him more than anything. He was my constant companion. He was my “appendage” and would not move without me. I miss him and just want the pain to stop. Thank you so much for this teaching.
I'm so sorry. I feel the same. I laid on the floor with my dog days before he passed and he literally raised his leg and placed it around my neck and hugged me. He was so brave and was the perfect dog from day one as a puppy. I also which my heart would stop hurting.
I had to put my dog to sleep also, he was remarkable and smart , oh man its been three days since he was put down, hip displacia and his front paws failed him, but for 14-1/2 years he was my everything my all and had helped me since my accident that left me in a coma for 3 months with less than 5% chance of survival, he was so much help to my recovery, i am still disabled but i pray to God that God will keep me and protect me for as long as i live
I know your pain. It is absolutely indescribable and horrendous. I pray that if I make it to heaven, Emma will be there. Even if I don’t make it, I’m glad God will have Emma forever.
The pain subsides with time but never fully goes away. God bless and comfort you.
@@brianforman6093 hes with Jesus.. waiting to greet you when you go home
I just wanted to thank you for this video. We had to put our beloved dog down yesterday. It’s very hard and it truly hurts when you love them. We know God sent him to us; the way in which he came into our lives was supernatural. We had him for 6 wonderful years.
I wanted to share what happened to me to encourage Dr. Jim and anyone else who reads this!
After my dog was euthanized, I went to hug him for the last time and tell him I loved him. The Lord spoke to me and told me “He is with Me, son.” I was surprised to hear that and honestly questioned if I really heard from the Lord. When we finally left him in the room and went back to the car and started driving home, the Lord showed me a vision. I was back in the room and he showed me when my dog passed, his spirit body lifted up his head out of his deceased body, and then leaped across the table, to a figure in a white robe that I could only see from the shoulders down. It happened so fast that I just turned my head to the figure and saw my dog be caught and hugged with such an embrace of joy and love and pleasure that it blew me away! My dog had black fur and I vividly remember the contrast of his black body being embraced against the figure in the white robe! This of course brought me such peace and relief. I honestly had believed through the years that animals do not go to Heaven. Now I know with 100% certainty that my dog is there and was so excited to see his Maker that he leaped into Jesus’ Arms!
Even though the loss is very difficult, the fact that my dog is pain free and in Heaven brings me the greatest comfort. I am so happy that the Lord has restored him to perfection and that I will see him again one day!
beautiful!
Thank you so much for sharing that. I needed to hear that.
This really blessed me. It's been 10 days since we had to put down our precious maltipoo Jazzy. I keep reliving that last breath that left his body. I wish I hadn't seen it. I'm a mess!! I pray Abba comes get us soon!
Ohmygosh, your post made me cry. I'm hoping your hearts healing. God bless
Thank You
Rejoice beloved your treasures are stored up in heaven
My heart goes out to everyone who has lost any kind of animal. They are family, best companion to us. I've had many animals, saved some as well. Had to put my dog down, still have her ashes in a vase. 14 year's old, going blind. Literally broke my heart. I prayed 🙏 when I go to heaven I will see her, my other loving animals. You never get over it. 😢😢
I found this yesterday and said I would listen today. I had to put my cat Blanna down 11/03/23. He had lung cancer that metastasize to his face and I I did not want to put him down but he got worse I was giving him holistic medicine, eye drops, cleaning him up putting glass door on him everyday and praying over him I got a prayer cloth for him you name it including reading the word to him. Yes I had him 19 years long time but for me it's like losing a child. I needs prayers I miss him so much. My first pet never thought I could love an animal so much. I'm so shattered I can barely breathe. But I thank God and I'm grateful for the time I had. God will get me through
God Loves us thru our pets
Amen
Beautiful, I love what you said here.❤
I believe so too. He loves us and shows us mercy in so many ways that people can never aspire to, animals are a testimony of His goodness and mercy.
Yes! Some people, the only love they experience is thru a dog.
I love this.
My dog died on Saturday evening and I’ve never felt so hopeless before. She was my absolute everything,I loved that dog with every cell in me.she was my princess.it’s hard not to have her here anymore ,but I try remember the joy and happiness she brought to me and I do truly thank God for blessing me with such a special dog.
I sleep with her jersey at night because it smells like her and it reminds me of the joy she brought into my life .I miss my baby ,she was 12 years old.I got her when I was 4
In a perfect world we would love animals because God is love and we were created to love his creation as He does, we were supposed to look after the world as He would have.
I lost my precious kitty friend and companion about 6 weeks ago. The choice to put her to sleep and holding her as she passed was the most painful moment of my life. It’s been hard to come home and having it be empty of the life and love that she gave me for so many years.
My heart is broken.
I thank God foe every day that He gave her to me and I pray that I will
see her again in heaven 💔🙏
It’s 8/06/23. I said my forever goodbye to my sweet boy Dj yesterday. His little heart was failing and he struggled to breathe. He spent his last 24 hours in the animal hospital and I thought I could take him home and have more time together but it didn’t work out that way and I had to let him go. The pain I feel is indescribable.
I’m glad I found this video. I still don’t know how to feel, think, etc. I don’t know what I believe, I feel like I have been lost for so long and have struggled with faith. I feel guilt right now, it feels like I murdered my sweet boy and I am finding it hard to cope. All I want is to see him again. I hope I can find faith and peace that I will bc right now, it’s hard to see anything but misery and pain with this loss of my constant companion.
I've had 10 German shepherds in the course of my 65 yrs in this earth, I have loved them all, the cats, my parrots. #9, RUGER was truly my soulmate. When I first saw him at 6 wks. Old, I was immediately was drawn to that beautiful pup. It was the softness of his eyes, I felt the love of his soul truly. I knew at the same time, he saw my soul too. He aw all the hurt in my life. I needed him, he needed me. For the next 7 yrs we were inseparable. I owned my own business, so he came to work with me, met many kids that played games with him, grown ups bringing treats etc....we played together, we ate meals together, he Slept with his big beautiful head on my pillow every single nite. WE WERE SOULMATES. MEANT TO SHARE A PORTION OF OUR LIVES. HE WAS THE EPITOMY OF A GSD! NEVER A MEAN BONE IN HIS BODY. ADORED MY GRANDCHILDREN, HARDLY EVER BARKED. HE WAS PERECT IN EVERY WAY. BUT FIERCELY PROTECTIVE OF ME. NEVER Crossed MY MIND there would come that awful day that he was taken away from me. Long story short, my Ruger ad been poisoned, with rat poisoning. We had a shcot collar on him. So he NEVER LEFT Our YARD! I BELIEVE IT WAS MY NEIGHBOR, BUT NO WAY TO PROVE IT. My life changed 4 yrs ago. I cried and still do after my baby, taken away too soon. He was only 4yrs old. I missed 3 weeks of work,, I slept a lot because I couldn't bare to be awake and not see him. I survived on tea and soup crackers for a month, shut my phone off. I BEGGED GOD TO TAKE ME! THE GRIEF I FELT WAS GUT WRENCHNG . I FINALY WENT THRU A GRIEF COUNSEINGS SessionNOT A DAY GOES BY THAT I DONT THINK OR CRY ABOUT HIM STILL , PLACED ON ANTI ANXIOUS MEDS, AND ANTI DEPRESSANTS .I FUNCTION NOW. BUT HAVE HAD NO JOY IN MY HEART OR SOUL, NOT A REASON OR PURPORSE IN LIFE. I UST WANT TO GO TO MY HEAVENLY FATHER AND BE WITH ALL MY CRITTERS, THE ONLY ONES I EVERY TRUSTED IN THIS LIFE, THE ONES WHO Loved ME UN CONDITIONALLY, WITH NO HES!!TATION. NOONE HAS EVER LOVED ME ON THIS EARTH...NOONE...EXCEPT FOR AL MY HORSES, STRAY CATS I RESCUED, PARROT, 2 I've rescued, and all the GSD,s that breed I ADORED so very much......I 💕 YOU ALL.CANT WAIT TO HOLD AND ISS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!!
you really nailed it for my experience as well. It is so apt for me this dark hideous last week. ... my tiny kitty was crying outside my doorstep 6 months ago ... I thought Oh no at 80 I do not want to take on an infant animal, being so solitary the thought of leaving any animals behind is so hard for me to even imagine, but what could I do, I lured him in and kept him inside for 3 months and my 3 other kitties adjusted. Then more and more he started to follow them in and out thru the cat door. Little did I know he would be leaving ME behind. Last week he never came back in through the night. I kept feeling the gloom of death and chided myself for being "negative". Two days ago I found his beautiful body totally ravaged and cannibilized in my side garden. I can't imagine what happened to him. As a lifelong animal lover, somehow he was for some reason the love of all my loves and I started to scream and wail and waves of pathetic sounds continue to emit from me with no warning trying to expel the grief. Vomiting, diarrhea, adrenalin and panic, feeling like I cannot go on .... I am stunned by the depths of this loss and certainly feel hollow in comparison to this incredible happy ball of light, eagerness and relentless ability to always receive me, melt into my arms and greet everything with a welcome and zest for life. I don't think I will ever much recover from this, it goes way way deep into my heart and psyche where I have never traversed before. Some of my friends are such animal souls that they will comprehend and perhaps can absorb for me even a tiny drop of my enormous grief as I for theirs. This is not my first loss of a friend, but somehow goes way deeper than I have ever known. Perhaps it is a collective catchall for all the griefs humans have to endure. I felt he was an angel sent by God and now raging. What kind of God would allow such a massacre? Namaste.🥵💔💔😧
My soul-dog is (was) my GSD Woofie. I shattered when he died. He was 13.5 but suddenly bloat took him from me. I still think God knew it was his time but I didn't have the strength to let him go on my own. It was/is always a fear that someone would poison my GSD(s) and I am so sorry that happened to your soul-dog. I am a total animal lover and losing one often tears me up far more than I do with humans. I hope my thoughts might help you --- I believe and have no doubt that every animal has a soul: there is no love without that, so I take comfort that we are soul-mates and will be together forever. I know that my soul-dog Woofie would never want me to be sad that he was in my life. I know he wants me to be happy when I think of him or see his photos. I'm sure your soul-dog feels the same about you: she doesn't want her presence in your life to bring you pain, she loves you and IS WITH YOU and wants you to be happy. She doesn't want her presence in your life to make you sad. I hope this might help you. I once told my doctor that if house rabbits are not in heaven, I don't want to go. That's when I started realizing heaven would not be heaven without them. God would not do that to us. My dear friend's GSD just passed away tonight and I'm hurting even though I'm really here trying to find comfort for my friend. I'm saying an extra prayer for you and everyone here.
@@ooohlaa13 the Lord God Almighty gave is the gift of free will, we get to choose, the unrighteousness, the injustices, the unfairness, the side-effects of sin (death, illness, loss) are due to Adam and Eve's disobedience.
The Lord God Almighty is a loving, merciful and kind God, what happened to your kitten was not something that happened because He approves of such things.
Remember how Jesus Christ Himself cried at Lazarus' grave? He knew and knows the depth of the loss and heartache we face, He has good intentions for us, Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself and died on that cross to pay for our sins, to give us the opportunity to choose to come back into the fold of the Father, Jesus Christ overcame the sting of death, He offers hope.
There is going to be a time of judgement and after a new heaven and earth, where there will be no death or illness or crime.
Do not blame the Lord God Almighty for He is righteous and just, shows us mercy even when we do not deserve any?
May He reveal Himself to you and may you experience Him in new ways, may you find comfort in your grieving and may you see His loving kindness, protection and mercy in your life because He is good.
I have had msny dogs over the years. Some were resvues. I've got one little one who I took home with me that had been abused in a breeding place. Instantly we bonded on a soul level. I felt that my thoughts she could know them & even answer my thoughts. We are truly bonded on a dpiritual level as sell in our everyday life. She is s treasure in my life. In fact, as the Good LORD said " where your heart is there is your treasure where moth & rust cannot touch".
@@ooohlaa13 Your dear lovely cats soul is always at peace and always will be. You will be together always no matter what. Godbless xx
I lost my dearly loved Sassy back on Oct 13, 2022 at the age of 13 years. I got a new dog about 3 weeks ago and the new puppy 🐶 does help the grief and emotional pain somewhat ease up along with my faith in God and being a Christian BUT the pain is still there. May God bless everyone (including me who has lost a special pet that had that unique bond with!!
I just lost my cat Maxi yesterday. My heart is broken. He had a brain tumor and kidney disease, and I did not want him to suffer any longer. So I had him put down. My hope and belief is that I will see him again in Heaven and that we will be together forever. Never to be parted again.
God Bless you, brother in Christ…
I just lost my baby boy who died in my arms when I got home from work last night. He waited till I got home, and then had a heart attack immediately, curled up and when I picked him up he left his body almost instantly. He was a Siamese cat, played fetch and lived as my best friend. At barely 13 years old, I thought I would have another 5 years with him.
I thank you for this video, and thank you God for 12 good years with my best friend, next to Jesus…
Just lost my dog last night and its horrible because she was abused and when we got her she was so scared and how she showed her appreciation to us over these years with us was amazing and its so sad because we connected with her SO MUCH. SHE WAS AMAZING. RIP DIAMOND
We just lost our kitty Nov .2nd and it was so sorrowful for us .We loved her she brought love and laughter in to our home and took our minds off our problems so many times .We really miss her so much .
I am 70 yrs.and have lost my loving pets. I still grieve easily over one in partucular. He was my rock. My support..
My Parents pet Coco just passed away from seizures last night. I just found out. Still grieving. God of Comfort will always be close. Ecclesiastes 3:21 offers hope. "20All go to one place; all come from dust, and all return to dust. 21Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and the spirit of the animal descends into the earth? "
Animals have spirits and spirits live forever. I believe we will see our pets in heaven. Animals can't sin and do have spirits so I believe they are eternal. I miss her, I miss our horses I grew up with. I hate sin and the death that came from it but I love that Jesus came to set us free from sin and to put an eternal end to death in the New Heaven and New Earth.
Just lost our family dog to this last week as well. It started in January and we knew our dog's end was coming in the next year, just not sure when. The seizures got so bad they wouldn't stop. So sad to see him go, but I'm thankful God placed such a wonderful companion in our family's life. Thanks for sharing and your encouragement.
I am so sorry for your loss!!
You are absolutely right that animals will be in heaven!! God created them!! They have a soul and do not sin so so we will be reunited with them!! Thank God/Jesus for the gift of eternal life!!!
May God bless you!
Amen
❤ Amen. God knows all our needs. He loves us.
Amen 🙏💖🐾❤
I lost my baby this afternoon to cancer. Had to put her to sleep. She went fast within days. 😢😢 She has been with me for about 16 years. I can't imagine my days without her. It hurts so bad.
I just had to put my bonded dog to sleep on June 12th and I know when I arrive in heaven he will run across the field to me. The Lord is gracious to comfort us. Thank you for this it helped me greatly
Oh thank you so much for addressing this. I lost my Jack Russell Wyatt the Wonder Dog 8 years ago he was 17 and got me through so many things but when he died I cried and cried every day for two solid weeks like I have never grieved a human being and thought my goodness what is wrong with me 😳so what a comfort to know that you two felt this way too. we feel so safe with our animals and who else could love us like they do I think they're a true gift from God like all creation is and I look forward to when I go to heaven I know he's going to come out and greet me show me all the beautiful sights and right to the feet of our beautiful savior.
I totally agree. My dog ‘Jazz’ passed away three weeks ago. God gave me Jazz, I know that. I asked him for a dog, for a special dog.
I'm 43 and losing beloved pet is still one of the hardest things to go through. I haven't had many pets in my life, but recently I had a cat that I adopted and she just passed away. It hurts so much and I'm very sad. She made me so happy and gave me so much comfort during a tough stretch in my life. I hope she knew how much I really loved her too. I tried to show her everyday how much she meant to me. We would cuddle and lay together everyday in the evenings after work and on the weekends she was with me all the time. It hurts because it was sudden and unexpected and I'm still shocked she's gone. I'm going to miss her very much. She was very special to me ❤️🙏
My cat, Binku died on the 03.08.2023, i miss him like crazy, I paid out for chemo and i have no regets, he was the most kind and caring cat and he was my best friend who never left my side when i had covid. He deteriorated over night and he lay in my arms and was very floppy as if the life had left him. I miss him and i feel i have to many years of life ahead of me before we meet again. I wish i did not, cause all i want is to be with him. X ❤
Thank you Dr Jim Richards. I'm grieving, my beloved cat Prance, 16 years old, passed two weeks ago. God says, “Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:5 NKJV. In the Garden of Eden God created animals and they had immortality before sin entered the world no fault of their own. I trust in faith I will be reunited with my beloved Prance in Heaven amen. God bless you and may you be reunited with your beloved Hooch in Heaven amen.
@pattywiuff4597 - Thank you so much for laying out your heart and hurt for those of us who have experienced your pain.
Thank you. It was no accident that I came across this video today. Last Friday, which was 4/7/23 and also Good Friday, I said goodbye to my best friend, a beautiful 14 yr old cat named Rudy, under very similar circumstances. I have been searching for help coping with the overwhelming grief of pet loss. Now I am certain I will see my Rudy again and that will help me move through this pain. ❤
GOD bless you Suzanne and pray for the healing of both our hearts!
I also lost my beautiful soul kitty, Slevin on 6/16 I’ve been searching for answers because losing him hurts more than any human loss I experienced. He has cancer and I feel like we gave up on him.
God just spoke to me through you. I lost my Little Buddy 2 weeks ago and I know that bond & heartache. This afternoon I had a meltdown and was crying out to God for comfort and hope......and there was your video. God is awesome, the heartache is real but we do always have hope . Thank you so very much for sharing this.
God sends us these wingless angels and they make an incredible difference in the quality of our lives. We forget how little life they have and how much of an impact they make on us.
We lost our beloved Choco just yesterday June 4th and we are just distraught. He was an incredible dog and I will never forget him till the day I die. I hope he is waiting for me so that we can play fetch and keep away again.
We love you Choco, we miss you.
❤Choco
I found this less than a month after losing my beloved dog. Who was my life thread on this earth. I lost my mom 6 months ago as well. I am a only child. We were so so close. Along with that, I lost my uncle, my brother in law and mom, all within10 days. My dog held me together. My grief has been past overwhelming. This gave me hope! Thank you!
Love my dogs. Better loyal companions than most people in my life.
I just lost my best mate Tony my 7yr old cat last night. Thank you for sharing your story and teaching.
Thankyou so much for addressing this topic. I lost my husband 3 years ago and I realize I will never stop missing him, and it still often hurts, but my peace comes knowing he is happy and I will see him again. My dear doggie companion, Sophie, who has brought me much comfort since the loss of my husband just before c_v_d , and during the isolation of lockdown, is now 15 yrs old with signs of growing old. We too are very connected. Each day I speak life over her, and God's blessing. I know there is not a lot of time left for us together, just like I knew when my husband was sick. I pray for strength to overcome the grief when that day comes. And I pray the same for you and your family. ❤🙏
I'm a widower. On 1st April I lost my dog Gem, the day before the 11th anniversary of my wife's passing. Gem was 16. I haven't spent a day as a widower without her. She was with us when my wife was well, before leukaemia came.
Now the house is empty, I don't want to be there without Gem. I'm lost.Totally lost. But I know that one day I will see her again as she comes to greet me with Mandy when I cross over. For that reason, and only that reason, I must keep going. I trust Jesus. I believe in Him and His Mercy. When the time comes we will all be united again.
Thank you for addressing this. People don't realise how devastating it could be loosing a pet. They are part of your family. Life just carries on asif nothing happened. I found the same when my best friend, colleague, house mate and sister passed away.. life carries on although you feel you can breath.
My precious beloved partner Sadie passed 10 days ago..Dear Lord please hold my broken heart and soul in your hands😞
Thank You for sharing your knowledge and I am sorry for your loss. I am going on 3 weeks of losing my cat of 18 years and my heart is straight up broken. To me it hurts worse than losing a family member. Me and my cat loved each other unconditionally. A lot of people have never felt that or are even capable of it.
Woman have a love to have children and if not able to,have love for a animal as a child , it's seen an known
My heart goes out to you.❤ I lost my baby Beep Beep a couple weeks ago. It all happened so quickly. She had Cancer. I know God gave us a hand so our family can enjoy her before she started having pain. She was 12 years old, so her energy had decreased, but we accepted that. She got sick about a month prior but with God's hand he gave us such a special gift. Beep all of a sudden had this burst of energy as if she were young again. We were so grateful. The last week she was clearly going down hill rapidly. I knew it was almost time. Seeing her in such a motionless state was so hard. I chose to keep her home to pass with her family. Beep was snuggled in her blankets next to her most favorite people. She went peacefully. It's was so hard. My heart hurt so bad. I know when I pass, all my wonderful pets will be the first to greet me. Pure happiness. Thank you for sharing your story.
Hooch gave you every ounce of his love and devotion in his life and needed you to do the hardest thing you could possibly do for him, which was to love him so much, that in spite of your own sorrow, compassionately end his suffering by ending his life here on earth. He stood up for you against the dangers of life and you returned the favor when he needed it most, by standing up for him with your whole heart at the end and helping him leave his failing body, even though it meant losing your most beloved companion.
Don't you see how you've come full circle? just like with your darling Trixie, there was a speeding truck heading for Hooch, only this time you saw the truck hurtling towards him, and lifted Hooch out of harm's way before the impact. He wants you to know that he is by your side in spirit and always will be, and he will escort you home when the time comes.
May God bless and comfort your broken heart
Bro Jim… I want to thank you for this video. God answered a prayer for me through it. I won’t bore you with all the details but I had to put my dog of 14 yrs down 2 weeks ago. Absolutely the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I connected with so many things you said here. I experienced all the things/feelings you discussed. God has helped me cope with it through social media vids but this one solidified it for me. Love you for doing this and I sure hope we can meet someday! God bless you friend
I lost my beloved 12-year-old golden retriever yesterday and have cried almost non-stop for the past 3)+. Thank you, Dr. Richards, for sharing this sweet testimony of love and a changed heart. I had to repent for blaming God for not saving my furbaby- you are right- one cannot feel peace if one blames the comforter! God gave me the gift of that companion, but sin took my sweet boy away from me. I don't know what happens to pets after we lose them, but I know that God sees (and even colleccts!) our tears and hears our cries. King David wrote: "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." My question is, why does he record our sorrows and keep our tears? Because they are precious to him, and He grieves with us. If God takes note of our individual sorrows, and there is no pain or sorrow in heaven, it would seem to me that he is going to reverse our sorrows when we get there. If the loss of a beloved pet-friend causes such deep sorrow, the only thing that can reverse it is the restoration of that animal, or something bigger, which is the perfect love of God. Either way, we can take heart in knowing that as animal-lovers, we are kind and faithful stewards of God's creatures. This is part of mankind's original duty- to name, love, and care for his creatures. We are doing our will to the best of our ability in a broken world. May God bless you, Dr. Jim, and may he comfort each grieving heart that hears this message.
10:42
It was 2 weeks ago yesterday when I held my “Carli girl” as the vet gave her the injection. I can’t believe the pain that I still experience. God cares so much that He let me see this video.
I can not thank you enough for sharing. It helps to allow me to grieve in my way, even though some people don’t understand.😢
You stood up and did what your girl needed no matter how you felt. That is unconditional love at its best. You did the right thing
Carli girl❤
Hooch had the kindest face. I’m so sorry for your loss.
My heart goes out to each every pne of you who have lost a beloved pet. I can hardly write this for the tears in my eyes
I have lost many beloved animals in the past. Even now our dog is dying and there is nothing we can do except love her. She isn't suffering and I feel that she just wants to go. She lost her two beloved friends a few months ago, a cat and another dog. She has never been the same dog since.She lost that spark of excitement that she had with them. Then we lost my husband in March and again she lost more of her spark. She looks deep onto your eyes and I think she is is please let me go. My daughter said she can't lose her. Sadly she is losing her anyway
I pray for her to go to sleep here and wake up in Heaven with her animal friends and my husband
I will miss her but the actual letting them go is even harder than when they go. If she was in pain I would have her put to sleep but she mainly sleeps and I think my daughter needs this time to let her go. I hope it is soon and then we can grieve but I know she will be free and reunited with her friends and my husband.❤😂 😊.
I listened to this amazing story and it has helped me with the loss of my beloved Jack Russell, Henry. He passed away on 12/22/22. I have cried everyday since. I miss him and
I look forward to being reunited with him in Heaven, God willing of course. I am so sorry for your loss. You will be with him again with the Lord in Heaven. God Bless you and thank you for sharing this.
I just lost my dog yesterday due to cancer. I’m absolutely devastated. I don’t know how to deal with this. I didn’t know he had cancer. I bought him to the vet yesterday morning and he never woken up after X-ray. I was told was from his tooth but unfortunately cancer was everywhere and still he never thought about him self , always happy to see you . I don’t know how to deal with this. He’s going to think I left him there to dye. I’m so heartbroken 💔💔💔💔💔😭😭😭😭😭😭
My dog just died today after happy 13 years with us, it is a sad day for me and my family. I'm with you and all of you who lost a loved one. God Bless!
I just lost my cat, Rose, just four days ago and I MISS HER SO MUCH! I admitted her five days ago at a cat hospital for a lung infection but she died even though the vet was optimistic of her recovery. Imagine my shock when I got the call the very next morning that my beloved Rosie was DEAD. That phone call is haunting me! I keep hearing those words... "Your cat died" over and over again. I can't shake it! I want to overcome my grief, but I feel so weak and helpless. I want my cat back! 💔😭😭
I love you so much Rosie... Please God, let me meet her again one day...
RIP Rose (2018-2023)
My pet has been missing for going on 2 weeks and I’m fearing the worst but this gave me some hope and comfort
My beloved cat Bazzy passed away yesterday. He was my best friend, and a part of the family just like any of us humans. I feel like a piece of me has gone, and nothing will be the same again 😢😢😢
I just lost my buddy on June 27. It feels like I can’t even breathe. He was a 10 year and 7 month old boxer/lab mix. He wasn’t just a dog to me, he was my best friend. I am truly grateful for the time that I had with him, but it hurts so bad that it’s over 😢😞
I'm watching this video with tears in my eyes. Your dog must have been incredible! I lost my dog last friday. He was absolutely my best friend. I will never meet someone again who gave so much love. I just hope that I was good enough for him and I just hope I was able to give him a great time. Your video gave me a lot of comfort. Some christians don't believe pets will be in heaven but I can't imagine considering how loving and forgiving our God is, that he would not allow an afterlife with pets. I am happy that there are bible verses that could be a sign that there are indeed Pets in heaven so we can see our Best friends again
ALL GOOD THINGS WILL BE RESTORED. (THANK YOU JESUS:)
GOD'S LOVE IS ETERNAL. (PETS ARE A GIFT:) AMEN! NO MORE PAIN. (HEAVEN:)
Amen! 🙏🏼✝️🕊️🐕🐾
From one brother in Christ, to another. Thank you for sharing your story. I had to let go of my dog (Britney) on Sunday 2nd April 2023. She meant the world to me. I am in my mid 50s and in my dogs 11 years, she has been right there with me. I have had a lot of medical issues and have been very unwell, I’ve also been through my divorce. When my world shuts down and I can’t leave my home due to how I’m feeling, Britney was always there. She would curl up beside me, as if to say, ‘ I’m right here with you. It will be okay.’
I have be searching scripture over the past few days trying to comfort myself. As Christians the Ark is a representation of Christ. All who enter the Ark were safe, (Safe in Christ) safe from Gods wrath (the flood). Animals were on the Ark.
Blessings brothers and sisters. Damien. Dublin Ireland.
🙏❤️
I'm so sorry for your loss! I recently lost my dog of 16 years and I too am heartbroken, thanks for your words of comfort!
😢😢😢 ❤❤ feel your pain,
Thankyou, I'm sorry for your loss, my dad died in 2021 but also my sister died Feb 9 of 2023. Thankyou for the comforting sermon.
Enjoying the love of a great kitty it is so hard to think of losing him.
Praying that all my cats and dogs are in heaven.
I lost my baby boy Casey had him for about 14 years he was the bestest friend I could ever asked for he was a big part of our family we done everything together and they become your family he would protect me he was a little dashund loosing that dog was like loosing my child our hearts are broke thank you for sharing your story with all of us I mean this from the bottom of my heart god bless you🙏🙏🙏🙏
I know my first dog was a Godsend!
I needed him at that time in my life and didn’t even realize it! It just happened by chance! Thank you Lord for knowing what I needed!
Still does not feel like mercy, even though THAT is the ONLY reason I could ever make "the decision". Each loved and protected me unconditionally in spite of (perhaps because of) all my shortcomings, spanning 31 years of my life. Until we meet again, my dear babies: Moosie, Molly and most recently Riley...hearts like mine. I am eternally grateful for each beloved spirit and each year you blessed me. Thank you, Dr. Richards.
Just lost our cat we had for 15 years yesterday, the kids were away for the night so I was able to sort out my own thoughts, my cat was like a brother to me. My young kids are just about home from school and I am dreading telling them... So painful, great video.
edit- sorry to hear about your Wife and dog...
I'm only 23 but I have had two dogs. Bella was 12 when she had to be put down about 2 years ago and baby. She is 181/2 now but know now she's oing to be going home soon. I grew up with her but I know she's going home ans I'll see her and her sister again
Thank you Dr Jim for sharing. We're dealing with the loss of one of our dogs, she died Friday morning. Hearing you teach on this from a biblical perspective has really helped me. Our Bailey was such a loving dog. I'm sorry for your loss of Hooch. I pray you and your family continue to find comfort in Jesus 🙏🏾
In memory of my beautiful boy, Rocky. I'm finding ways to cope, and come to terms with his loss. My brother, I and my family including his companion Casey are broken inside and finding reasons to find comfort in this chaos. My boy was 9.5 years old, the most beautiful boxer in this world with the most unique personality. He leaves behind his companion Casey who is our reason to go on. God is great, I needed this video so bad. I need to share it with my loved ones and heal together. I can't wait to be reunited with you my beautiful sweet boy... Wait for us ❤
Thank you so much for sharing this, even though it was difficult. You have helped my husband and I after suddenly losing our little 11 yr old BichonPoo yesterday. The grief is almost unbearable. God bless you. We so appreciate your Bible references to animals. I believe you are right and we will see Toffee again.
Beautiful! I wept through the whole video. I've had many animals that I have loved over the years and their loss was so hard. I want to tell you about my experience. My father was a kind, wonderful man and a strong Christian his whole life. In his later years, he had two little dogs that he loved so much, but he never believed that he would see them again after they died. When he got Alzheimer's, I was devastated and could not understand why this man of God had to suffer so much. I was driving away from a particularly hard visit and crying out to God. I was crying so hard that I needed to pull over. In an instant, God gave me a vision of Dad, whole and completely healed and to my amazement, I saw his two little dogs jumping up on his legs, so excited to see him! I felt like God was smiling and saying, "Won't your Dad be surprised?"
Thank you very much for sharing this with us dog lovers. I lost my beloved poodle Alice 5 days ago. We decided to put her to sleep to end her suffering. I'm devastated. It's very difficult to go on knowing Alice is no longer around. I cried with you while watching your video. But I do quite believe that Alice and I will be together again in Heaven. It's because God knows whom we have been missing the most and nothing is impossible for Him. Let God's comfort be with those who have lost their pets.
You have no idea how much listening to your story in raw emotion helped me feel accompanied in my grief. So sorry about Trixie and Hooch. Thank you so much, God bless you 😢🙏🏼
My cat was an extension of my wife and me. We moved across the US away from our families after we were married for my job. We had no friends or family to talk to, our cat was precious to us and helped my wife cope with being a stay-at-home wife alone in a new city. We lost her overnight. she suffocated to death after finding her way into what we thought was a perfectly safe food container. The container locked itself shut and she was trapped. I discovered her in the morning and couldn't believe it. I was in the other room and didn't save her. Grief and guilt for the loss of our first pet not even a year old is immeasurable. She fully trusted and loved us. Now we can't help but feeling like we failed her.
💝🙏🏼🐾 So very sad to read this. It is not your fault. Just heartbreaking. Praying for the Lord to comfort you both.
I'm so, so sorry, and I understand those feelings of guilt. I lost my cat Simon this past Sunday...he died in my arms. I was able to be brave got him while he struggled in my arms but I feel completely traumatised now and am falling apart. We had just decided the night before it was time to put him down. He was dealing with cancer and was still eating and drinking and wanting to cuddle so we thought maybe he would be ok..but that Saturday night we looked at eachother as he lost control of his bowels and decided that we had to make that decision. Well. He took it upon himself instead but waited for me. Within an hour and a half after I found him and held him, he died. I have so many feelings of guilt and terror that we didn't put him down sooner, that he suffered....so I completely understand. And I'm sorry.
My 2 year old min pin died suddenly and I haven't been the same since. I think about him everyday! Thank you! This was beautiful to hear!
So glad I came across this video . I lost my baby Rebel on Thursday. He was 11 yrs old and I can't express how close our bond was. He loved me unconditionally as I of him. After we went to put him to sleep , I came home and was a wreck throwing away his treats and food. Life is better with a dog for sure and I can't sleep or really eat . Rebel was my shadow and for him gone it's like he was erased and my heart is broken
God bless
Thank Dr. Jim. As I write this it is hard to see what I am writing because my eyes are so full of tears. I believe I will be reunited with my my beautiful little Chole but for now I just miss her so much. 💔 I am praying that I can find peace and really know that God sent me your video to help me. I hope I receive a dream of a little white dog running in the yard chasing a squirrel or butterfly and then running up to say, "look Mom what I can do". I don't know how long it will be before I can actually see her again, I'm 81, but I know I will and I pray for courage and strength to be able to hold on this knowledge. But Dr. Jim what do I fill my arms with till then? God bless you.
I had to euthanize my sick, 22 year old cat yesterday.I couldn't bear to bury him, so I wrapped him in a towel. and put him in the laundry room.I buried him this morning.I can't stop crying.He didn't run like a normal cat, but hopped like a bunny.I would chase him through the house, and laugh like crazy,he was so funny.It's weird that I was checking my email, and this video just popped up.Thank you.I have to believe I will see him, and all loved ones in heaven.If I don't, I will lose my mind.
I’m literally crying as I read this. Our pets are truly a gift from God. I’m convinced they will greet us when we get to heaven. Praying for your heart to heal. ❤️🙏🏻
Remove the evilness from people who hurt 🤕 dogs. The dog can be your best friend... Please Love them ❣️ protect them ❣️🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼
Thank you for this video. I just lost my little poodle two days ago. This has given me hope because the overwhelming grief I am going through is more than I can bear. Our Smudge was the center of our family too.
That dog has a beautiful face. The eyes.
Thank you for sharing this. Had a vision of my dog frolicking through that field! It was the Lord giving me comfort. I have another ready to cross over and doing my best to comfort her. 70 year's old and have been rescuing all my life. Had my own pet cemetery. The Father cares about the fur babies too ! Frolicking through the fields of heaven. ❤
Awww... Lots of hugs Dr. Richards. He's going to greet you again at the side of Jesus as Our Savior welcomes you as you cross over the Jordan ❤
My Chihuahua died a couple days ago . I'm devastated. She was so polite and so smart. I miss her so bad. God please heal my shattered heart. Please heal the broken heart of my other Chihuahua, he lost his best friend of over 12 years
I lost my pet 3. years ago a Mini - Dash hound. I had been praying 2 years before for God God to show me an angel shaped within the clouds. Just last year he showed me. The face of my pet precious and right below her my pet chihuahua peanut Face also.
Thank you for this! Definitely helped me during this hard time.
I had to put my dog down today. He took care of me and I took care of him. After losing my husband our dog took care of me
My husband would be proud of him. My dog got upset because he felt my pain crying when having to put him down that he got energy to fight being in my arms to show me he is here for me. I asked the doctor are we doing right putting me down and she said yes his organs are failing. I feel bad because even though he is sick and eating he still wanted to take care of me. I love my dog and nothing can replace him
Grief is the price we pay for love
I believe as you do and I grieve with you. I have a 12 year old and a 13 year old dog laying next to me on the floor. I have to go through it twice in the future. The first one I lost crushed me as a child. The first one I lost as an adult was harder than that for I had put off owning another for fear of loss and pain. I discovered it's better to have loved and to have lost than to have never loved at all. Dog spelled backwards is ___. Unconditional love from a dog is close to experiencing the love of God. I know some people would scoff at that. Maybe they should get a dog.
Agreed so much!
I wrote The Dog and The Baby in Summer 2015 in one night inc pictures, about the Good Shepherd and Dog xx
🙏 God is so good! Thank you for sharing. I saw my beloved pet with Jesus about a week after I put her earth suit in the ground in 2005.
Dr. Richards, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this difficult but beautiful tribute to your gorgeous Hooch. I lost my best friend, my beloved dog, Bobby, on Dec 2, 2022. I rescued him from a field when he was just a few months old. It took me 3 months to coax him into the house. He was petrified of everything but I told him you're safe now and I will take care of you all your life. He understood. He curled up in my lap and we were rarely apart all his life. He grew into the sweetest, kindest, fiercely loyal and funniest companion anyone could wish for. He loved everyone and they loved him. He also loved trekking the many forests around us here in Northern Ireland. We had the most wonderful 11 years together. I took him to the vet on Fri Nov 25 as he wasn't eating well, the vet gave me meds to administer to him all week and return if needed. He still wasn't eating so I took him back to the vet on Dec 2. After tests she said he had cancer, his liver was affected and his kidneys were failing and I should "let him go". I was shocked and stunned. I just couldn't believe it, it all happened so fast. His stomach had gone from being concave all week to swollen like a huge balloon ready to burst and I was frightened it would. I had to sign the paperwork that sent him to his death. My hands were shaking and I was weeping. It really did feel like murder and I still feel so guilty. It was just me and him in the house and when I got back to my empty, silent home without him, I felt like a ghost, that I didn't exist any more either. It's been almost 5 months now and I still weep over the loss of him. But I never blame God. On the contrary, I say, "God's to give; God's to take back; Blessed be God" and thank Him for entrusting me with His beloved creatures while I had them. I miss them all terribly but know in my heart I'll see them all again and then we'll be together forever in God's Kingdom. No more sorrow. Thank you again Dr. Richards. I hope the passage of time is softening the terrible sting of your great loss too. What could be years for us is only the blink of an eye to them. Hooch and Trixie are together and are watching over you. I once saw the spirit of a little bird who died in my hands rise up from its body to Heaven so it is true. God bless you and your family from Ireland. 💚
I currently have a dog that I KNOW was sent to me from God. I was praying about getting a pet but was moving slowly and reluctantly but my dog showed up in my back yard with the gate closed. I told my neighbor, "I think God sent me a dog!" She tried to help me find the owner but we never did. I think God has an important reason for pets and wildlife - we ARE made in him image and he gave us this responsibility.
Hooch forever. Having hard time losing my support best friend 2 weeks ago, Willie. I can say I never even thought of asking or blaming God, never came to mind, as I know his timing for all things is perfect. In fact I could of never gone through it all without him guiding, giving me strength. Asked God for help, which I never ask for anything much for me, but asking you now, and he told me what had to be done. Having severe ptsd from war, and health problems that he was trained to help me with, I will seek another companion and ask God to give me what need, not on my time, but on his time. There is a reason for everything he does, as you know Jim having holy spirit come to you, he exists without any doubt in our minds. Knowing video 2 years old, but I can see and feel what dogs feel, and hooch was one of the great ones for sure. Did you get another best friend again. God Bless you and family.
Sorry for your loss and thank you for your service. I'm thankful God gave you a wonderful companion and pray you find another one.
I lost my dog two days ago and she was only 8 months. It was so unexpected and happened within a day of her eating something . I’ve been crying nonstop
I had to put down my girl Lenny, she was the sweetest and most goofy dog you could ever meet. She brought me so much happiness in my life. She got Old Dog Vestibular Disease and was getting to the point where she couldn't walk. She would be crying all night long, even when I was holding her. I cried and told her many times that their wasn't anything I could do but just hold her and tell her I love her. I eventually made the decision to put her down because she couldn't even walk at times. I felt like I was murdering her even though I was being merciful. This video made me cry a lot. But I am thankful for finding it. I think the reason God only gives dogs such a short life is to teach us not to take unconditionally love for granted. I hate to say it because its so cliche, but God spelled backwards is dog. And I truly do believe that second or third to God's love is a dog's love for his human companion. They live to love us, the only condition that they have is to be feed and loved. And I don't even think that's a fair trade because compared to how much they love us, we can't love them as much as they love us. I think God made dogs to teach us how to be towards each other.